Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the kidneys, the two bean-shaped organs in the body located behind the abdominal organs on either side of the spine. Kidneys filter the blood that flows through the body several times a day, removing wastes and controlling the body's fluid balance. The kidneys form urine by removing wastes and excess water from the blood. The most common type of cancer in adults is known as renal cell cancer, which forms in the tissue within the kidneys. Risk factors for kidney cancer include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and a family history, but many people have no risk factors. The risk increases with age. Kidney cancer often is diagnosed at an advanced stage because usually there are no early signs or symptoms.

Why UAB

The UAB Department of Urology specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the genitourinary tract, which includes both the urinary and reproductive systems. This multidisciplinary team of urologists, nurse practitioners, radiation and medical oncologists, and urology nurses and technicians work together to provide the most accurate diagnoses and effective treatment options available for male and female adult and pediatric patients. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks UAB’s urology program among the top 50 of its kind in the nation, and it is widely recognized for delivering excellent genitourinary (GU) cancer care.

The physicians and surgeons who staff the UAB Department of Urology are subspecialists in their areas of expertise. Most faculty members have completed fellowships in addition to conventional urology training, including extensive training in GU cancer, kidney stone disease, male infertility, pediatric urology, and female urology. UAB Urology specialists are members of the American Board of Urology, the American Urological Association, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the Society for the Study of Male Reproduction, the Society for Male Reproduction and Urology, the Society of Urologic Oncology, the Society of Female Urology and Urodynamics, and the American Medical Association, among others.

Images and Videos

Welcome to the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center

Personalized cancer treatment focused on one patient at a time.

PHYSICIANS

James E. Bryant, MD

Mollie DeShazo, MD

Carla I. Falkson, MD

Lisle M. Nabell, MD

Rudolph M. Navari, MD, PhD

Jeffrey W. Nix, MD

Soroush Rais-Bahrami, MD

Guru P. Sonpavde, MD

Sunil Sudarshan, MD

Related Treatments

Depending on your case and your physician’s assessment, your condition may be treated using one or more various procedures. Some of those procedures are listed below for your convenience. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list and may vary depending on your specific diagnosis.

Clinical Trials

UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for the diagnosis and treatment of kidney cancer. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information.

View Clinical Trials